In the petition filed by Abdul Aziz in April this year, he had named Zulkifli, the returning officer and the Election Commission (EC) as the first, second and third respondents respectively.

Abdul Aziz had sought that the court declared the 8 March election results for the Kulim/Bandar Baharu seat null and void. Zulkifli won the seat, polling -22,255 votes against Abdul Azizs 16,672 votes.

In the petition, Abdul Aziz claimed that Zulkifli had failed to submit his statement of expenditure when he contested the Kuala Langat parliamentary seat in the 2004 general election, which contravenes the Election Act.

He also claimed that the returning officer had failed to act against Zulkiflis nomination despite the fact that the EC had the documents confirming Zulkiflis failure to submit his statement of expenditure.

Abdul Aziz when met outside the court said that his decision to withdraw the petition was made after a discussion with BN leaders.

He said the decision was made after taking into consideration the current globale conomic instability and the price hikes caused by the erratic oil price, the increasing depression felt by the people and various other problems that needed attention.

"In the interests of the people in Kulim Bandar Baharu and the country, I am willing to sacrifice my right to challenge Zulkifli so that the people and the government can work together to stabilise the countrys political situation, economy and unity that are in critical condition right now," he said.

He said that he also respected the decision made by the voters in the 8 March general election and would continue to serve the people in Kulim Bandar Baharu through a Barisan service centre that he had set up since April. (Bernama)